ECB: Near £1bn from Hundred auction will protect cricket for generations to come

Investors have poured lavish sums into the game in return for stakes in the eight city-based teams (Steven Paston/PA) - (PA Archive)

The England and Wales Cricket Board has claimed the near £1billion windfall from its Hundred auction represents “a seminal moment” that will protect the sport “for generations to come”.

Investors from around the world have poured lavish sums into the game in return for stakes in eight city-based teams which have existed for just four seasons.